(NEW YORK, NY, 6/18/13) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed a legal challenge to the unconstitutional New York Police Department (NYPD) program engaging in mass surveillance of Muslim communities.

In August of 2011, an investigation by The Associated Press revealed an NYPD program developed in partnership with the CIA to target American Muslims with unprecedented monitoring, surveillance and alleged civil rights violations.

Today the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the City University of New York Law School's Center for Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility (CUNY CLEAR), filed a lawsuit to challenge the NYPD's unconstitutional policy and practice of targeting entire Muslim communities for discriminatory and surveillance without suspicion of wrongdoing.

Last week CAIR-New York cited racial profiling and the lack of oversight of the NYPD in its testimony on the NY State Hate Crimes Law. CAIR-NY stated at that hearing that the NYPD's targeting of Muslim communities has created distrust of law enforcement, and has created an atmosphere of anti-Muslim bias that invites hate crimes.

CAIR-NY has also advocated for the passage of bills in the New York State Assembly and Senate that create independent oversight of the NYPD, and advocated for the passage of the Community Safety Act at the New York City Council. Part of the Community Safety Act, including a bill to establish independent oversight of the NYPD, will go before the City Council for a vote within the coming month.

CAIR-NY is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.